Great Lakes Wire

As Human Trafficking Awareness Month concludes, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reaffirms her department's commitment to combating human trafficking. The announcement highlights resources available to victims and acknowledges the achievements of Assistant Attorney General Melissa Palepu, who was recently honored as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 2024 Prosecutor of the Year.

Earlier this month, at the second annual Michigan Human Trafficking Commission roundtable hosted by Attorney General Nessel, Palepu received the HSI award. The event brought together members from various sectors to discuss their goals for 2025 in addressing human trafficking.

"Assistant Attorney General Palepu’s dedication to combatting human trafficking has liberated a number of victims from this horrific crime and brought accountability to abusers," stated Nessel. "Her work within our Department and as chair of the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission is making a real difference in our fight to end this illegal trade in our state."

Palepu specializes in Human Trafficking and Child Abuse prosecution and has been instrumental in prosecuting cases for the department. Her efforts include prosecuting individuals involved in an alleged international human trafficking ring connected with illicit massage parlors in Metro Detroit and pursuing charges against three people accused of labor trafficking a woman from India under false pretenses.

In addition to her prosecutorial work, Palepu chairs the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission, which comprises 12 members appointed by the Governor. It includes representatives from several state departments such as Attorney General, State Police, Health and Human Services, and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

The Commission's mission includes identifying grant sources for countering human trafficking, funding research programs on its extent in Michigan, providing training on human trafficking issues, collecting data on trafficking incidents within the state, coordinating information dissemination among agencies involved with these issues, reviewing existing victim services for improvement awareness programs about human trafficking laws.

Meetings are held at Williams Building in Lansing with remote access via Microsoft Teams. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for March 10th through November 17th inviting survivors advocacy groups law enforcement partners public participation noon-1 pm each date listed above

Human trafficking takes many forms including forced labor sexual exploitation found unexpected markets like convenience stores nail salons massage parlors farming agriculture restaurants often without victims' awareness understanding help options

Victims may show signs abuse lack control over money documents avoid eye contact communication restricted unfamiliarity surroundings reluctance admit status seek assistance those suspecting or needing support can contact National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline text line confidential service available nationwide all year long Additionally Michiganders may use local tip line provided state attorney general website offers further information initiatives updated legislation tackling issue